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Accused: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel
Accused: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel
Accused: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel
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Accused: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel

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New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Lisa Scottoline revolutionized crime fiction when she introduced her all-female law firm of Rosato & Associates, thrilling readers with her twisty, fast-paced plots and capturing their hearts with her cast of strong and relatable female characters. Now Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, Judy Carrier, and Anne Murphy are back with all cylinders firing in Accused.

Mary DiNunzio has just been promoted to partner and is about to take on her most unusual case yet, brought to the firm by a thirteen-year-old genius with a penchant for beekeeping. Allegra Gardner's sister Fiona was murdered six years ago, and it seemed like an open-and-shut case: the accused, Lonnie Stall, was seen fleeing the scene; his blood was on Fiona and her blood was on him; most damningly, Lonnie Stall pleaded guilty. But Allegra believes Lonnie is innocent and has been wrongly imprisoned. The Gardner family is one of the most powerful in the country and Allegra's parents don't believe in reopening the case, so taking it on is risky. But the Rosato & Associates firm can never resist an underdog. Was justice really served all those years ago? It will take a team of unstoppable female lawyers, plus one thirteen-year-old genius, to find out.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateOct 29, 2013
ISBN9781250027665
Author

Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline is an Edgar award winner and New York Times bestselling author.

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Rating: 3.7606061151515155 out of 5 stars
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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I have read other books with these characters in the past. At first, in this book, I found Mary's guilt and her attempts to spare the feelings of others at the expense of herself to be very annoying. I was glad to see some growth in her character throughout the book. Mary ends up facing quite a few changes in her life in this book. She makes partner at work--which means she is now, in a sense, her best friend's boss. Things were a bit rocky with that for a while, but I admire how Mary stepped up to help preserve the friendship the two share. Mary's boyfriend proposes, and she accepts even though she's not sure she's ready to be married. The Tonys (3 men all named Tony) provide some welcome comic relief within the book. I did like how Mary's fiance Anthony (not one of The Tonys) solved the wedding dress dilemma, which showed that he was looking out for Mary and what she wanted. I felt it was a bit unbelievable that a law firm would hire a teenager as an intern. Overall, I liked the book and the plot about believing in someone so much that you're willing to go against everything and everyone to prove innocence. I am already reading another book in this series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Fans of the Rosato and Associates books by the author will love this most recent installment to the series in which the shy Mary DiNunzio has been promoted to partner in the law firm. She chooses to represent a thirteen year old girl whose sister had been murdered several years before. The girl has never believed that the man serving time for the murder is the guilty party. Mary must come out of her "shy" comfort zone and not only serve as the girl's attorney but she must also investigate the crime. This can be read as a stand alone book but it would be helpful to know the back stories of the attorneys in her office developed in the earlier books.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Meh. Immature brat as lead character; not the mature partner of a law firm.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Mary DiNunzio has just been promoted to partner and is about to take on her most unusual case yet, brought to the firm by a thirteen-year-old genius with a penchant for beekeeping. Allegra Gardner's sister, Fiona, was murdered six years ago, and it seemed like an open-and-shut case. The accused, Lonnie Stall, was seen fleeing from the scene; his blood was on Fiona and her blood was on him; most damning, Lonnie Stall pleaded guilty. But Allegra believes Lonnie is innocent and has been wrongly imprisoned. The Gardner family is one of the most powerful in the country, and Allegra's parents don't believe in reopening the case, so taking it on is risky. But the Rosato & Associates firm can never resist an underdog.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I had never read a Lisa Scotoline, Rosato and Associates book before and though I enjoyed the read I will probably not read another one. I did not really care for the friendship the gals had, the women themselves nor their families, maybe if I had read about them and been in on it from the beginning I might have enjoyed all the ladies more. I can however see the appeal of Mary's loud and close Italian family and friends.This story is about a 13 year old girl, Allegra who takes it upon herself to try and free a man in prison who was convicted of killing her sister. Allegra is a very wealthy little girl and her parents are not pleased she is trying to hire lawyers and reopen this case. There are a few twists and turns in the book. This was a good rainy day read...:)
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I've read all of Scottoline's books featuring the woman who work at the Philadelphia law firm, Rosato and Associates and was happy to see a new one after a three year absence. The story opens with a big celebration at the firm because Mary DiNunzio has been promoted to partner. All the characters we know and love are there: Bennie Rosato, Judy Carrier, Mary's cute and quirky Italian family and her fiance, Anthony.

    The party is interrupted when young Allegra Gardner comes to interview the firm. Allegra is a precocious 13-year old, beekeeping genius wants them to investigate her sister's five year old murder. She believes the man who confessed and is currently serving a decades long sentence is actually innocent. Allegra's wealthy parents initially are supportive but soon become opposed to opening the old wounds that have affected Allegra's mental health.

    Mary falls instantly in love with Allegra and is also drawn to her case by resurfacing memories of the murder of her husband, Mike. Mary becomes completely focused on the case, making some decisions that cause issues between her and her best friend and associate, Judy. At this point it becomes more of a detective story than a legal thriller.

    I didn't love the book. I thought there was too much of Mary's family in the main storyline. At one point she takes the three elderly Tony's to Allegra's house to help with the investigation. Their prostate issues may have been funny but they didn't seem to add anything to the story. In fact we see virtually nothing of the other Rosato attorneys during the whole book. Mary's family is funny but there was just too much of them and now they've added more with fiancee Tony's parents too.

    I prefer the earlier Scottoline stories filled with suspense and legal maneuverings. In her acknowledgments she says she plans to write a Rosato book every year. I hope she does go back to her previous formula. For now she can still count me a fan but I'm leaving my options open until I read her next one.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Newly appointed partner to the law firm, Mary's client is a precocious thirteen year old girl who wants Mary to represent the man in prison for murdering her sister. Allegra doesn't believe he's guilty and tells them what happened the night of the murder. When they start investigating Allegra's version doesn't match the recollections of others and the story makes you wonder if Alegra is fantazing or if there's a coverup. Side story is Mary's engagement to Anthony and her overzealous family.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I so wish I'd found this author earlier. I love her wit and her snark with these books.So this book follows Mary DiNunzio as she tracks down the facts of a six year old murder case. Her client is the 13 year old daughter of a VERY rich family in Philly. Then you tack on personal drama and you've got a woman on the edge. I'm willing to admit, the people they kept pointing to for the mystery part of things made me shake my head. I'd staked out my suspect on a completely different vein. Interestingly, I wasn't too far off. (Again. Must know mysteries too well.) The books are crisp and it still feels like the editor is involved. Definitely on my recommend list.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I don't usually read thrillers but I happened to pick up this one and loved the story. It is all about plot and it is a good plot. the subplot about the protagonist's family didn't interest me. The solution was a surprise but everything else was resolved a little too neatly and i might add unrealistically.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I know that Lisa can write. So I was surprised that I did not like this book one bit. There was nothing interesting about any of the characters...good or bad. Plus, I did not think that the storyline was strong either. I went along reading the book for a while but then found myself about a third of the way in skimming it, just to see if it got any better and what was happening in the plot. There was no change about midway so I then found myself again skipping ahead chapters to make the book read faster. Typical ending, which if you read this book all the way through there will be no surprises as to the killer or motive. Not this author's best work.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This will be short and sweet. If you like Lisa Scottoline's Rosato and Associates mysteries, you'll like Accused. Thirteen year old genius, Allegra Gardner, has interviewed law firms and hired Rosato and Associates to free the man convicted of killing her older sister, Fiona. Allegra is convinced he's innocent.Mary DeNunzio, having just made partner in the firm, takes the case with her co-worker and best friend, Judy Carrier. Of course, it's not easy because the murder took place six years prior and also Allegra's father, prominent Philadelphian John Gardner does not want to re-open the case and bring more hurt onto the family. However, Allegra has the funds to hire Rosato and Associates and there's not much John can do to stop it...although he does put some stumbling blocks in the way.Short on Bennie Rosato, Accused has the rest of the characters you'll like: Mary and her boyfriend Anthony, Mary's parents and their friends, the three Tonys and Judy. All I can say is it's typicaly Scottoline and typical Rosato and Associates.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It had been a while since I had read one of Lisa Scottoline's legal thriller, I've missed them and I have more to catch up on. This one is a more recent release. Mary, after working with Bennie Rosato as as associate is now a partner with Bennie, making this the first of that series This Novel begins with a 13 year old girl wanting Mary (and Judy) to find the real killer of her older sister six years prior. She is certain the person who went to prison did not commit the crime. But something else isn't adding up. The stories and facts that Allegra remembers aren't backed up by anyone, in fact mostly denied by her parents, and the man in prison. Was there a relationship with Lonnie and Fiona? Why does Allegra and Fiona's parents not wanting the murder to be investigated? And why did they suddenly ship Allegra off to a mental hospital?In between all of this,Mary has her own issues. After dating a while, Anthony proposed and wants to get series but something is holding Mary back. And Judy, who used to be on the same level as Mary seems to be having problem with Mary being the boss. Can their best friend relationship continue?I thought I had it all figured out, and was I wrong. This author always delivers a fast paced mystery/thriller, with some wit thrown in. I will need to dig up her other Rosato associates novels, I've sadly been neglecting them. I enjoy how she still writes the Rosato series and also independent novels with a more contemporary dramas that I enjoy even more. I absolutely loved "save me" and "keep quiet". I know she has "every fifteen minutes" to be released soon, I will eagerly await that one.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Lisa Scottoline takes the standard lawyer mystery and puts her own spin on it with her Rosato and Associates mysteries. To begin with, the law firm is all female and there is definitely some comic relief as these smart tough lawyers are out to catch the bad guys. Along with discussions of motive and murder, there is interspersed talk about fashion and late night snacking. Although it might make you think that the Rosato and Associates team aren't as tough as the lawyers in a John Grisham or James Patterson novel, but don't be fooled -- these women can hold their own whether in court or unwisely tracking down the criminals in the backstreets of Philadelphia. Accused focuses on Mary DiNunzio, who is one of my favorite characters from this series. She has a boisterous Italian family, and no matter how much she tries, they always seem to get involved in her cases. If you love a good mystery, but also want some humor mixed in, then this is a great series.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    ACCUSED is another story in Scottoline's series of Rosato and Associates novels. A young man is serving time for a crime he has not committed and the new partner in the law firm in asked by a young to solve this crime for once and for all. Quite a mystery develops and some of the dialog is just not necessary to make the reader want to devour this book. I just felt this was not Scottoline's best writing effort.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I have read all the Scotollini Rosato series and loved them. They have interesting characters, laugh-out-loud humor, good Grisham-style legal content, and satisfying mystery. I expected the same in "Accused," but was disappointed.The Rosato series is about the law firm of Rosato and Associate, a topnotch, Philadelphia, all-women firm headed by Bennie Rosato. Scotollini is a talented, clever, witty and extremely humorous writer. I have read all her work and generally find it entertaining and satisfying. Being an attorney, Scotollini is qualified and able to write credible legal mysteries."Accused" is mainly about Mary Dinunzio and her family. Nothing wrong with Mary, but the good part of the other books in the series is the interplay among the other lawyers, their families, and the investigator in the Rosato law firm. "Accused" began with Judy Carrier working with Mary on a case, but Judy fell out of the plot just as the case began. Mary and her Italian family are fun, but not as a steady diet.Scotollini always throws in some girl-stuff and angst, but Mary's angst in "Accused" just didn't do it for me. It was too "girlie," unlike Scotollini and more like Nora Roberts. I love the J.D. Robb "In Death" series, but never read the mushy Nora Roberts romances. (J.D. Robb is a pseudonym for Roberts.) They're just too gooey and boring. In "Accused" the extraneous human-interest story largely focused on wedding dresses. Yuck!Give us more meat and less fluff in the next Rosato book, Lisa. I'm still a fan, but keep up your standards.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Accused by Lisa Scottoline is the 14th book in her Rosato & Associates series, and the second I had read. To be honest, had I done a little more research before reading Accused, I probably would not have read it. I am quite a huge fan of suspense novels and Lisa Scottoline is a wonderful writer, her plots twist just enough to keep the reader thoroughly engaged, her writing flows nicely, and it is not difficult for the reader to lose sense of time while reading her books. So, why did I not care for Accused? The plot line is rather believable, however, I do not care for the main characters at the all woman law firm. I did not click with them when I read a previous novel in the series, Dead Ringer; however I did love the plot and unfortunately, reading Accused did not enamor me more to Bennie, Mary, Judy, or Anne than the earlier book I had read. It would most likely have helped had I started from the beginning; maybe then I would have a solid feel and understanding of these women. However starting so late in the series, it is merely a well-written book with main characters I do not relate to nor care about. With that said, Scottoline is a brilliant writer and I highly encourage readers to check out other reviews, mine is just one opinion and I fear it is my loss that I am unable to relate to the main characters.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Lisa Scottoline is one of my favorite murder mystery authors. This is a really good one. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering who was the actual murderer. Very enjoyable story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    great renewal of the Rosato series. Great story through Mary's questions about her own personal life and along with a great thriller story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very entertaining
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I loved the book. It was a great legal thriller. It keep my attention from beginning to end.
    Will definitely be read more books from Lisa Scottoline.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Book was great, but the ending was a little too abrupt. I kept expecting another twist.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Lisa Scottoline is back at it again with a Rosato & Associates novel, this time featuring Mary DiNunzio as the lead character. The novel starts off with Mary becoming partner in the law firm. Her first client as partner is Allegra Gardner, a highly excitable and intelligent girl who believes that the man sentenced for the murder of her sister six years earlier is innocent of the murder. She wants Mary to prove this. Allegra and her case immediately strike a nerve with Mary, both because of her relationship with her sister and the way her first husband was murdered. Mary’s personal life is undergoing upheaval as her boyfriend proposes marriage to her, and Mary is filled with doubt. To further complicate matters, her best friend Judy doesn’t believe they should take the case and ultimately begs off of it. Despite all of this, Mary tackles the case with bulldog tenacity in order to get justice.The basic framework of the novel is good. I like the case that is presented and how they go about investigating it. Although Mary is a good character, and her backstory is worthwhile to include, I think where the novel falls short is that there’s almost too much of Mary’s life and it slows the book down. I think a little less of that would have helped it. I also think there was too much of Mary’s father, who became a bit annoying by the end. Taking those aspects away, I found the book enjoyable, but they prevent this from being one of the better Rosato novels.Carl Alves – author of Blood Street
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It's been a while since I picked up a book by Lisa Scottoline. I was a big fan of her legal series featuring Bennie Rosato and her firm in the past, but hadn't picked up one of her titles lately. Her latest book, Accused, (#12) releases today and brings back favourite characters. Mary DiNunzio is no longer an associate with the firm, instead she's just been made partner. When the firm is approached by a client and asked to look into the murder of her sister, Mary is ready to take on the case. The rest of the team hesitates - the client is thirteen years old and the murderer is already behind bars. But Allegra swears he's innocent. Mary makes her first decision as a partner and takes the case. Scottoline's characters are warm, funny and real. Mary comes from a vocal Italian family. Her parents and their friends - the three Tonys - are a large part of her life. Scottoline works them into many scenes and their dialogue is quite fun. Scottoline has been quoted as saying that "she need not look past her own family, “The Flying Scottolines” for inspiration." It is the personal story lines, sense of family and friends that make Scottoline's books feel so warm and personable. Mary takes the lead role in Accused both professionally and personally this time around, We don't see as much of the other three lawyers in the firm. Scottoline is a lawyer herself and the legal details ring true. Scottoline has conceived an interesting plot line. It's not one that will overly challenge hard core whodunit fans, as the outcome is fairly predictable, but it is the delivery that is the draw. The crime is not gory and will appeal to gentle readers. I'd be tempted to label the series 'light legal'.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very well done! I have read a number of Lisa’s books and Accused was outstanding (Rosato & Associates #12)! It was nice to hear from Judy, Mary, and the gang (her parents are a riot)!

    Mary (now partner), is hired by a 13 yr old brilliant and wealthy girl (Allegra) to investigate her sister (Fiona)’s murder. Even though another guy (Lonnie) is in prison –she feels he is innocent. A good mystery (tried voting for this book as 2013 Mystery of the Year; however, it does not come up).

    Mary is now engaged to Anthony with mothers on both sides forcing their own bridal gown, as she is in the middle of reopening and investigating a murder investigation. Mary wants to help Allegra and has to fight off her father and many others along the way as she is determined to find the truth.

    Mary begins to uncover facts which prove Lonnie’s innocence and the family lawyer is involved with some other secrets (which I will not disclose – An engaging mystery, with humor, and lots of laughs. The audio was excellent by January Lavoy – highly recommend – one of Scottoline’s best books!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This was a little different in the line of the usual books in this series. Mary got an emotional pull into the case. I found it odd that they were willing to take on a case pro bono. Not a bad book but a little too bleeding heart for me.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I can't tell you how happy I am that Lisa Scottolini has written a new entry in the Rosato & Associates series. Iv'e missed Bennie, Judy, Mary and Mary's extended family. This book felt like old home week. Nice to see you again, DiNunzio, it's been too long!I haven't been a big fan of Lisa's recent books. They've been too chick-lit-y for my tastes. The best part of the Rosato series is how strong and independent these women are. Sure, they also have love lives and can be vulnerable, but they are never all about the romance. I have only one minor complaint about this book, and that is that a bit of the new Lisa sneaks in. There's more relationship drama (between Mary and her boyfriend, and between Mary and Judy) than usual; it felt contrived and unnecessary. But, my joy at spending time in the law firm conference room more than made up for any shortcomings. It also sounds like more Bennie books are in the works. So whatever other directions Lisa's writing (or her publisher?) takes her, we can count on regular Rosato & Co updates. Yay!

Book preview

Accused - Lisa Scottoline

Chapter One

CONGRATULATIONS! read the banner, but Mary DiNunzio still couldn’t believe she’d made partner, even at her own party. She felt stunned, happy, and hopeful, ready to leave behind her doubts, insecurities, and guilt. Okay, maybe not her guilt. Guilt was like her handbag, occasionally heavy, but something she just felt better carrying around. Same with her insecurities, with which she had grown secure. As for her doubts, she remained doubtful. On second thought, it remained to be seen whether becoming a partner would change Mary DiNunzio at all.

Everyone she loved stood around her smiling, filling the small conference room at Rosato & Associates, and Mary smiled back, trying to find her emotional footing now that she was no longer on the terra firma of associatehood. Bennie Rosato, the superlawyer who was her former boss, had just become her alleged equal, and if that wasn’t confusing enough, her friends Judy Carrier, Anne Murphy, and Marshall Trow also worked at the firm. Mary didn’t know how she’d morph her friends into her employees, or if she could double their salary.

Her boyfriend, Anthony Rotunno, was standing to the right, the proverbial tall, dark, and academic, with thick wavy hair, a gorgeous smile, and eyes the dark brown of a double shot. He was a history professor who had just moved in with her, and they were still working out the closet situation and those little hairs he left in the bathroom sink. He had his arms around her parents, Mariano Matty and Vita DiNunzio, who had grown shorter and rounder, resting on either side of him like meatballs on a plate of spaghetti.

Mary’s father was bald and chubby in his white short-sleeved shirt and Bermuda-shorts-with-black-socks-and-sandals combination, dressed-down as usual, since the DiNunzios reserved fancy clothes for weddings or funerals. Her mother was in her best flowery housedress, with her white hair freshly teased into a cumulus cloud meant to hide her growing bald spot. Still her eyes retained their warm brown hue, doubtless the color of fertile Abruzzese soil, and the gray rimming her irises didn’t obscure the love in her gaze. Beside them stood The Three Tonys—her father’s friends Pigeon Tony Lucia, Tony From-Down-The-Block LoMonaco, and Tony Two Feet Pensiera—a trifecta of octogenarians who served as traveling uncles for Mary, occasionally helping on cases and generally clinging to her like cigar smoke.

DiNunzio? Bennie frowned, her eyes a concerned blue. She was six feet tall, of Amazonian strength and proportions, and had only gotten fitter since she was rowing again. Her unruly blonde hair was up in its topknot, and she had on her trademark khaki suit, so retro it had become hipster. You don’t look happy.

I am, no, really, very happy. Mary was still afraid of Bennie, but she expected that would change, in twenty years. It’s just so overwhelming. I mean, thanks, all of you.

Awww, Judy, Anne, and Marshall said, smiling in unison. The phone started ringing at the reception desk, and Marshall scooted out to pick it up.

We love you, Mary! Anthony winked at her.

"Maria, ti amo." Her mother’s eyes misted behind her thick glasses, and her father sniffled, wrinkling his largish nose. It was the DiNunzio nose, which guaranteed its wearer more oxygen than anybody in the room.

MARE, YOU DESERVE IT! her father hollered, speaking in capital letters by habit, though his hearing aid sat behind his ear, more an earplug than a help. WE’RE SO PROUD A YOU!

The Tonys nodded, being good-natured in general, especially when the cannolis were free.

Bennie raised a styrofoam cup of champagne. Then let’s toast to DiNunzio. I mean, Mary. And we have to change our letterhead. Here’s to Rosato & DiNunzio.

Wait, call me DiNunzio, Mary blurted out. I’m used to it, and let’s hold off on the letterhead, for now. I’m not ready yet. Let it sink in.

Mare, that’s silly. Judy looked at her like she was nuts. She had superintelligent blue eyes in a round face, framed by yellow-blonde hair cut short and raggedy, so she looked like the beaming sun in a crayoned picture.

Mary, really? Anne frowned in a meaningful way. She was a model-pretty redhead in a dress that fit like Spanx. Don’t give away your power. Remember your affirmations.

Mary tried not to laugh. She didn’t have any power to give away, and she always skipped her morning affirmations, since I DESERVE ALL MY SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS made her late for the bus. Let’s stick with DiNunzio and the old letterhead for now, okay?

Congratulations, DiNunzio! Bennie grinned, and everybody raised their cups and took a sip, then hugged and kissed her, each one in turn, an aromatic blend of flowery perfume, CVS aftershave, and mothballs.

Marshall returned, leaning in the doorway, her face flushed with excitement. Bennie, the desk just called from downstairs. Allegra Gardner is on the way up, and she’s looking for representation.

A Gardner, from the Gardner family? Bennie’s face lit up, and nobody had to tell Mary the party was over. She was a partner now and knew that money trumped fun. The firm could use new business, and the Gardners were a wealthy family, like the Kennedys with a Philadelphia accent.

Which one’s Allegra? Mary asked, setting down her cup.

I don’t know, she didn’t say, but she’s a real Gardner. Marshall nodded, excited. She just interviewed Morgan Lewis, but isn’t hiring them. She wants to see us about a new matter.

Great! Bennie turned to Mary. DiNunzio, we’d love to get business from that family. Do you mind if we cut your party short?

No, I agree, Mary said, making her first partner-y decision. She wanted to start on the right foot, and agreeing was always good. Even partners sucked up, this being America.

Good. Bennie turned back to Marshall. Set up the big conference room. Make sure there’s laptops, fresh pads, and pencils.

Anne blinked her lovely green eyes. I know the Gardners are super-rich, but how did they make their money?

It’s so old they forget, Mary answered. It’s just there, like oxygen. Or carbohydrates.

Judy lifted an eyebrow. Balzac said behind every fortune is a great crime.

Bennie scoffed. Balzac didn’t have a payroll to meet, and let’s not prejudge our clients. The Gardner family interests are run by three brothers, and they own banks, reinsurance concerns, and real estate development companies. She turned to Mary’s parents, Anthony, and The Tonys. Folks, please excuse us. I know you’re having dinner with Mary tonight, and you’re welcome to stay here until the meeting’s over. It won’t take more than an hour.

Alla good, Benedetta. We know you gotta work, we wait. Mary’s mother waddled over and gave Bennie a big hug, except that Bennie was six feet tall and Vita DiNunzio was a foot shorter, so her face landed between Bennie’s breasts. When Bennie released her, she looked vaguely asphyxiated. "Benedetta, take cookies, cannol’, sflogiatelle."

SHE’S RIGHT, BENNIE, TAKE THE COOKIES AND PASTRY TO THE MEETING. WE’LL SIT AND HAVE ANOTHER CUPPA COFFEE. Her father gestured at Pigeon Tony, who was already pouring another round of black. Tony-From-Down-The-Block was settling down with the sports page, and Feet was tugging over a chair to put up his feet, which, oddly, had nothing to do with his nickname.

Thanks. Bennie turned to Judy and Anne. Ladies, we need as many people on our side of the table as she has on hers. Everybody to the big conference room for a dog-and-pony show.

Judy set down her cake. I’ll be the dog.

Anne set down her Diet Coke. I’ll be the pony.

I’ll be the partner. Mary brought up the rear, because she had to hug and kiss everybody good-bye, as was customary in South Philly, where hugs and kisses were like passports, required for all comings and goings. She hurried to the big conference room, which had one wall completely of glass, with an impressive view of the metallic ziggurat of One Liberty Place, the sharp spike of the Mellon Center, and the quaint figure of William Penn in his Quaker hat, atop City Hall. They all got busy setting up laptops, pads, and coffee, then Mary, Judy, and Anne arranged themselves on one side of the table with Bennie at the head, because it went without saying that she would run the meeting. She wasn’t the only partner anymore, but she was still the Office Mom.

Which, as it turned out, was exactly what Allegra Gardner needed, because Allegra Gardner was only thirteen years old.

Chapter Two

Allegra Gardner was a slight young girl, only five feet tall, with bright blue eyes behind round plastic glasses. She had a small, straight nose, fair skin, and thin lips pressed over major orthodonture. Her hair was a nondescript brown, gathered in a loose double ponytail under a white cap that read, APIARIST. Mary didn’t know the word but she gathered it had something to do with bees, since Allegra also had on a white hoodie with a smiling bumblebee that said BEE HAPPY, which she wore with baggy jeans and low-profile Converse sneakers. Allegra had arrived alone, carrying a blue backpack on her narrow shoulders, apparently unfazed by the fact that she was outnumbered by legal firepower as well as estrogen levels.

Everybody took her seat after Bennie made the introductions, and Mary grabbed a legal pad to write notes to Judy. She was pretty sure that even partners wrote notes to each other, especially when they took meetings with children. It was confusing, and Mary couldn’t fight the feeling that Allegra needed a babysitter, not a lawyer.

Bennie smiled at Allegra, in an official way. Before we start, are your parents coming?

No, but they know I’m here. Allegra’s voice was as firm as a tweener’s could be, which was not at all. I’m on my own.

Mary wrote to Judy, ISN’T ALLEGRA SO CUTE? I DON’T KNOW WHETHER TO REPRESENT HER OR BREASTFEED HER.

Judy wrote back, TOTALLY, BUT WHAT’S WITH THE BEES?

Bennie frowned, slightly. How did you get here, Allegra?

I took the train.

By yourself?

Sure. I do it, all the time.

Mary’s heart went out to Allegra, but then again, her heart went out to everybody. She was more surprised when it stayed in her chest. She wrote, TIME FOR THE BIG GIRL PANTIES!

Judy wrote back, DON’T BEE SILLY!

Bennie paused. Allegra, how old are you?

Thirteen, yesterday, June tenth.

Happy Belated Birthday! Mary smiled at Allegra, seeing in her face the baby that Allegra used to be, as well as the woman she would become. She was a pretty young girl under her goofy hat, but gave the impression that she didn’t care about how she looked, which would make her the only teen on the planet who felt that way, or maybe an alien.

Yes, Happy Belated Birthday, Judy and Anne said in cheery unison.

Thank you. Allegra smiled, showing braces with pink rubber bands.

Bennie cleared her throat. Yes, well, to stay on track, tell me, Allegra, who are your parents?

Does that really matter? Allegra’s eyes flickered, a suddenly sharp blue. I’m here, they’re not.

Understood, but you’re a minor. If you’re looking for legal representation, you’re not of the age of contract.

Then we won’t make a contract. Would that work?

Mary admired Allegra for not being intimidated by Bennie. She wrote, WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE ALLEGRA.

Judy wrote back, NO, BEE YOURSELF.

Bennie blinked. Let’s set it aside for now.

Ms. Rosato, if you’re worried about whether I can pay you, I can and I will, I have my own money now. I’ve been planning this since I found out I get a distribution from my grandfather’s trust at thirteen.

It’s not about money. It’s common courtesy. We don’t get a lot of walk-ins, and we like to know with whom we’re meeting.

Okay, my parents are John and Jane Gardner. Allegra reached for her backpack and slid out a silvery MacBook Pro, which sported a yellow bumper sticker that read, MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX. They live in West Whiteland, and my dad is the oldest of the three brothers who run the family businesses. My parents won’t stop me from hiring a lawyer. They know what I’m doing, I told them. If they try to stop me, I told them I’ll file to be declared legally emancipated.

Bennie frowned. Do you get along with your parents?

Yes, Allegra answered matter-of-factly, opening the laptop.

Then legal emancipation would be odd. It’s like divorcing your parents.

Mary wrote, I WOULD NEVER DIVORCE MY PARENTS. IN FACT, I WISH I COULD MARRY THEM. THEY DON’T LEAVE LITTLE HAIRS IN THE SINK.

Judy wrote, DON’T BEE GROSS.

Allegra hit a key on her laptop. I don’t think emancipation will be necessary. My parents said they won’t help me, but they won’t oppose me.

Where do you go to school?

I board at Milton Academy in Massachusetts, but I’m going to register in the public school for ninth grade. I want to be here during this case, not out of state.

Where will you live?

At home. I interviewed several of the big law firms, but I didn’t like them, so I thought I’d come see you. I researched you and the firm.

Mary couldn’t believe how serious-minded Allegra was. She thought back to what she’d been doing at thirteen, which was lightening her hair with bottled lemon juice and picking a confirmation name, even though Theresa was a shoe-in. She loved St. Theresa, one of the few saints who had the mojo to go up against Mary, the biggest brand name in the religion.

Bennie nodded. So tell us, Allegra, what’s the case? Why do you need a lawyer?

I’m here about my sister. Allegra’s face fell. Her name was Fiona, and she was murdered six years ago, at a party at my father’s new offices.

Our condolences. I seem to recall reading about the case.

Mary set down her pen, having lost her sense of humor. The murder case was coming back to her, too. She’d seen it in the news, a girl stabbed to death, at sixteen years old. Suddenly Mary realized why she felt for Allegra in the first place. Despite her funny decals and bumper stickers, Allegra Gardner was a sad girl, and it seemed to travel with her, like a backpack.

Thanks, Allegra said quietly. The thing is, I believe they sent the wrong man to jail. His name is Lonnie Stall and he’s in Graterford Prison. I think he’s innocent. He said he was at trial, and I believe him. I want to find out who really murdered my sister and punish him. I need somebody to look at the case and start over.

Bennie frowned. Wait a minute. I seem to remember that the defendant in that case pleaded guilty.

I know he did, right before the jury came back, but I’m sure he didn’t do it.

Bennie paused. What makes you say he’s innocent, even though he pled guilty?

I don’t want to go into it now. I’m not sure if I’m hiring your firm.

Fair enough. Bennie eased back in the chair. So we’re clear, you’d want us to evaluate the evidence and record to see if the decision was correct or incorrect?

No, I want you to solve my sister’s murder. Allegra’s request had a weight of its own, hanging in the air.

So you want an investigation after the fact.

Right. Exactly.

We’re not investigators, we’re lawyers.

That never stopped you before. I saw online. And you have a firm investigator, right? Lou Jacobs. His photo is on the website.

Yes, but he’s on vacation. He’s not back until next week.

Okay, so add him in, whatever it takes, I can pay. I want this to be done right. I want to know the truth. Allegra pressed her lips together again. I was there when Fiona was murdered, at this big office party. It was supposed to be a grand opening, and well, it was so, so horrible.

Mary shuddered, but said nothing. Her biggest nightmare was something terrible happening to her twin sister Angie, a former nun who was in Tanzania on yet another mission, saving a world that refused to be saved.

Allegra frowned deeply under her little cap. I kept thinking and talking about Fiona, and what happened to her, and my parents worried I was getting obsessed. They sent me to a therapist, then to boarding school, but I wasn’t obsessed or depressed, and I’m still not.

Bennie leaned over to Allegra. So your parents believe Stall is guilty?

Yes.

Why?

Because of the evidence at the trial and because he pleaded guilty himself, in the end. They want the case to be over, but I want it to be right.

Allegra, you have to be realistic. It’s harder to find out what happened now than it was then. Bennie opened her palms in appeal. The case is six years old. Evidence may be lost or thrown away, and memories have faded.

I understand that, but I want to try. I can’t do it myself because I’m a kid. Allegra met Bennie’s gaze behind her big glasses. Ms. Rosato, you have a reputation as one of the best trial lawyers in the city, if not the country. You’ve defended many people who were wrongly accused. I want a do-over.

There’s no backsies in murder cases, Allegra. Bennie seemed momentarily nonplussed, but Mary felt as if she could help out, since Bennie wasn’t good with kids or human beings, in general.

Allegra, what she means is, this is a lot for a thirteen-year-old to deal—

That’s why I need a lawyer, and I’m not your typical thirteen-year-old, anyway. I’m a genius.

Pardon? Mary smiled at the matter-of-fact way she said it, without a trace of arrogance.

Really, I am, but being that smart only makes things worse. Allegra’s lips flattened. I know I’m weird, different. Kids make fun of me for everything, of my grades, the way I look, or my bees. They call me Allergy, Allergan, Bee Girl, Bee Geek, brainiac, whatever, I don’t care.

What is it, with the bees? Mary couldn’t help but ask.

I keep bees.

For fun?

Yes. Allegra smiled.

Don’t you get stung?

No, they’re in hives and I know how to handle them. I wear a veil and I have a smoker, which calms them down. The smoke blocks their pheromones that send out a distress signal, so you can work in the hive. Allegra warmed to her topic. It’s a very old hobby, beekeeping. It dates back to the Egyptians. And mine are very docile and nice, and they’re used to me, and they all get along and help each other. Did you know that each hive holds thirty thousand bees? That’s more friends than anybody in my class has, even counting their fake Facebook friends. I’m fine with it.

Mary felt for her. No kid was fine with being different, and it wasn’t easy being green. But I’m thinking that you can’t be so legalistic in your approach to this problem. There’s too much emotion involved.

There’s emotion because it matters. What should I spend my time on, stuff that doesn’t matter?

Mary had to admit it was a good point. But it won’t be easy for you, living at home, going forward with this investigation. Your parents will be upset, I’m sure. They had closure, but now they won’t. You want to prove that a man they believe killed their daughter really didn’t do it.

I know that, too, but I have to know the truth, no matter who likes it and who doesn’t. Allegra’s forehead buckled again. If I do what makes them happy, then I’m unhappy, and that’s not very grown-up, is it?

Mary felt momentarily stumped. She wouldn’t hurt her parents for all the truth in the world. She hadn’t, in her life. She’d die with her secret.

And anyway, I owe it to Fiona. Allegra reached under her collar and showed them a delicate necklace, with a heart-shaped pendant. This was hers, and I wear it all the time. She looked out for me in everything. She was my sister.

Mary swallowed hard. I understand.

I’m giving up everything to do this. I had to leave my hives at school. Luckily the headmaster keeps bees, too, so he knows what to do.

Why didn’t you bring them with you?

You can’t. Bees get to know their territory. They consider it their home. They’d be upset if I tried to move them.

Mary didn’t know bees had emotions, but maybe they did. The way Allegra talked about her bees reminded her of the way Pigeon Tony talked about his homing pigeons.

Judy frowned. To get back to the investigation, Allegra, I’m surprised the other firms would represent you, given that your parents will be unhappy if you get any traction.

Why? Allegra flushed, and Mary realized that intelligence and sophistication were two separate things.

Judy answered, You’re essentially opposing the Gardner interests. The big firms will want more business from the family, so they’ll choose them over you.

Allegra shook her head. No, I disagree. They’ll represent me if I choose them, I’m sure of it. I met with them. They said they’ll get back to me with a proposal.

Mary and Judy looked over at Anne and Bennie, and they all knew what Allegra Gardner had yet to learn. Money talks, and justice doesn’t pay. If Allegra were taking on the Gardner family, she’d be radioactive to the big firms. Only the women at Rosato & Associates would take her on, because they were a bunch of mavericks who never would have gotten business from the Gardners anyway. And Allegra was an underdog, which was their weakness.

Bennie leaned over. Regardless of what the others do, we’d be happy to represent you.

Cool beans. Allegra grinned, in a newly relaxed way. How does it work? Do you all work together, or can I choose which lawyer I want?

Of course you can choose. We work separately or together, depending on our availability. When would you want to get started?

Right away. Who’s available?

I’m not and neither is Anne. Bennie gestured at Anne, who made a cartoony sad face, like an emoticon with perfect makeup. We’re starting a trial, but Mary and Judy are free. They’re a great team.

Allegra grinned. I can tell. They’ve been writing each other notes this entire meeting.

What? Bennie frowned.

Mary grimaced, busted. Sorry, it’s a bad habit.

Judy’s eyes flared. I’m really sorry, too.

Allegra shrugged happily. It’s okay, and I can read upside down, too. I like that you think I’m cute, but please don’t try and breastfeed me.

Mary laughed, feeling a rush of warmth for the young girl, who had the very mature ability to laugh at herself.

We’d love to represent you, Judy said, then added with a grin, Bee our client.

Good one! Allegra laughed.

We could get started right away. Mary leaned forward. She wanted the case and she needed the business. Her caseload was light because her client base was in South Philly, and Italians didn’t like to fight when it was hot. I’m free right now. I could drop everything.

Just like that? Allegra turned back to Bennie. No proposals?

It’s a lawsuit, not a marriage. I can email you a fee-and-costs schedule. Our retainer is five thousand dollars. Is that a problem?

Not at all. The trustee of my trust will send you a check. I’ll speak with him and give him your information.

Mary blinked. Can you get a distribution from a trust, when you’re only thirteen?

Yes, if the trustee says it’s okay, and mine did. He’s not even supposed to tell my father. The trust is from my grandfather, and one of his old banker friends is the trustee. He told me he has a duty of undivided loyalty to me.

Bennie looked over at Mary. Trustees have some discretion about when to make a distribution, unless there’s restrictions in the trust. If it’s set up that distributions are to be made for her care, support, and welfare, which is typical, then the trustee can exercise his discretion to make the distribution. It’s probably a generation-skipping trust or a dynasty trust.

Mary figured her trust skipped her generation, too. She turned to Allegra. You’re a really impressive young woman, and I’m happy to represent you.

Thanks! Allegra beamed. You guys are so different from the other law firms. This is the firm, right? Four women, no drones?

Mary laughed. I’m the drone.

No, you’re not. Drones are male. People think drones are worker bees, but they’re two different things. Worker bees do all the work, collecting pollen, nectar, and water, but a drone doesn’t work. He exists to mate with the queen and he dies after, with his genitals still in her.

Yuck. Mary recoiled.

Nice, Judy said, then, I mean, yuck.

Allegra smiled. The way I see it, if this law firm were a hive, Ms. Rosato would be the queen bee and everybody else would be a worker bee.

Bingo! Mary burst into laughter, and so did Judy and Anne.

Bennie shot them a sly smile. Not exactly, Allegra. Mary is my partner, so at the very least, we have two queen bees.

You can’t have two queens in the same hive. It’s not possible. Allegra lifted an eyebrow. A new queen starts to emerge, laying superscedure cells, getting ready to take over. Then the new queen will fight the old queen to the death. I’ve seen it happen.

Suddenly there was a commotion at the threshold, and Mary looked over, vaguely horrified. Her mother chugged into the conference room, bearing the platter of pastries and cookies, with her father right behind her, and Mary jumped up to head them off. Ma, Pop! Thanks, but we’re kind of busy.

"Maria, you no bring the sflogiatelle, the cannol’. Here, have!"

MARE, I TOLD HER YOU WERE IN A MEETING, BUT YOU KNOW HOW SHE GETS.

Psssh! Her mother waved her off, set the pastries down, then did a double-take when she spotted Allegra. "Deo, che carina!"

She says you’re cute, Mary translated, uncomfortably. She loved her mother, but this wasn’t good for client development. Ma, thanks, but you should go—

Her father shouted, IS THIS KID THE RICH ONE?

Her mother was already engulfing Allegra in a big hug. "Che carina! Si carina!"

Whoa, hi. Allegra giggled as she righted her cap, which had come askew in the love attack.

Ma, please don’t hug the clients! Mary hurried over to extricate Allegra. Sorry, this is my mother and father.

Judy jumped up to help. Mrs. D—

So skinny, so skinny! Mary’s mother let go of Allegra only long enough to pick up the pastry dish. "Have sflogiatelle, cara. Amaretti cookie, imbutitti cookie, musticiolli cookie."

Have what?

Ma, please, no force-feeding. Mary touched her mother’s shoulder. "Sorry, Allegra, really. Sflogiatelle is a pastry stuffed with ricotta and orange pieces, and the cookies have pine nuts, hazelnuts, or honey. My mother thinks the world needs more saturated fats."

Sweet! Allegra beamed. Which cookie has the honey?

"Cara, prego!" Mary’s mother thrust a brown musticiolli cookie at Allegra, who popped it in her mouth.

This tastes awesome! I make my own honey, but this is almost as good!

Mary caught Bennie’s eye, and the queen bee didn’t look happy. Uh, Ma, Dad, you should go, we’re trying to—

No, Mary, it’s okay. Allegra grinned, and brown flecks of cookie filled her braces. It’s better than my birthday cake.

Mary’s mother’s hooded eyes flew open behind her thick glasses. "Is you birthday? Tanti auguri!"

Her father’s face lit up. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOLL! WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Allegra, she answered, between bites, and Mary’s mother started singing her the birthday song, clapping her gnarled little hands.

"Tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a te…"

Then her father joined in, "TANTI AUGURI, ALLEGRA, TANTI AUGURI A TE!" The Tonys came up from behind with Anthony, singing, clapping, and transforming the conference room into an Olive Garden.

"Bravissima, Allegra! Mary’s mother gave Allegra another hug. Tanti auguri!"

Please, Mrs. DiNunzio— Bennie blanched, but Allegra jumped to her sneakers with a big grin.

Mary, can I hire your parents, too?

Chapter Three

Mary, Judy, Anthony, The Tonys, and her father crowded around the tiny kitchen table, eating, drinking, chattering away, and sitting hip-to-replacement-hip in the cramped DiNunzio kitchen. Fresh basil and garlic scented the air, and steam rose from hot plates of homemade ravioli and peppery sausage. Everyone sweated into his food, but it would never occur to Mary’s parents to eat anything cooler, even in a Philadelphia summer, and Mary wouldn’t have it any other way. Whoever said you can’t go home again wasn’t Italian.

She tuned out the merry chatter and let her loving eyes travel around the kitchen. The cabinets and counter were clean, white, and simple, and on the walls hung an ancient church calendar with Jesus Christ, next to faded newspaper photos of John F. Kennedy and Pope John, the three Lifetime MVPs in the DiNunzio Hall-of-Fame. Nothing ever changed at her parents’, who were like the Amish, but with better food. They still drank perked coffee, from a dented coffeepot always brewing on the stove, while they read an actual newspaper, a quaint custom from the days of colonial America. The kitchen didn’t have a TV or radio, much less an automatic coffeemaker or a dishwasher; her mother was the coffeemaker, and her father was the dishwasher. There was no air conditioner, only an oscillating counter fan, which distributed the humidity evenly. Her parents didn’t own a computer, and they thought a laptop was something children sat upon.

Mary’s gaze went to the cast-iron switch plate, which had tucked behind it a frond of dried Easter palm and a collection of Mass cards. A Mass card was given when someone died, and she remembered when there were only a few, then ten, and now it looked like practically a full deck. More of their relatives and friends were passing, and her parents were in their eighties. Her father could see fine with his trifocals, but he was almost deaf and his back ached from a working life of setting tile. Her mother’s hearing was surprisingly good, but her eyes had only worsened, from macular degeneration and sewing piecework in the basement of this very rowhouse. Still she hovered happily over the kitchen table, topping off water, fetching second helpings, and ladling extra gravy onto pasta and sausage, like the CEO of the DiNunzio family—or maybe the queen bee.

Ma, sit, and I’ll help, Mary said, though she knew her mother would wave her off, which she did. Vita DiNunzio would never give up her wooden spoon to anyone, like a regent with a scepter, if you could stir gravy with a scepter.

"Maria, you eat, alla eat! Alla good?"

VEET, THAT WAS GREAT! her father boomed, rubbing his tummy in his white short-sleeve shirt. I’M GONNA BUST A GUT!

Great, Mrs. D! Judy twirled her spaghetti against her tablespoon like an expert, having been taught by Mary’s father. Judy was their honorary daughter, and Mary could remember the first time she brought Judy home and her mother had fallen in love with her, the same way she had with Allegra today.

"Good, grazie. Mary’s mother came up from behind and touched Mary’s hair, a gesture that always made her feel warm and cozy, like an adored kitten. We so proud, Maria, you work so hard alla year. You deserve alla good dings inna world."

Thanks, Ma. Mary didn’t need affirmations if she had a mother.

Here, here, Judy said, raising a thick glass.

I second that emotion. Anthony smiled, and so did The Tonys, adding a chorus of salud and cent anni, and it struck Mary how lucky she was in this cobbled-together collective of best friend, lover, family, and random senior citizens. She smiled up at her mother.

So Ma, what did you think of our new client? Why did you like her so much?

So young, so serious like you. Her mother shrugged happily and pushed her heavy glasses up onto her nose.

"SHE’S TOO SERIOUS, her father added. SHE PROLLY READS TOO

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